Spirituality of the Swimming Pool

On a recent Sunday afternoon I took my young grandson to a neighborhood pool. What was meant to be a fun-filled way to cool off became a sacred moment when I felt a momentary rush of something that could only be described as the Holy Spirit sweep over me. We are all basking in sunlight that feels like divine light in this moment; the water a powerful symbol of life and cleansing. We are many faiths and cultures together in one place that is full of light and laughter and life. We are community as we encourage our own children and feel a connection with those we don’t know. Life guards are patrolling the water watching over us and reminding us of ways to remain safe while enjoying the water. We rest as required and those moments of rest are Sabbath moments in a Sabbath day.

We are all one in the time we are there. We are delighting in each other without speaking. There are giggles and peals of laughter, the din of joy supported by the underlying sprays of water. The moment is holy as I felt all of this wash over me like a healing and refreshing stream on a hot and dusty hike. Just for a moment my being was touched by all of this as an experience of oneness with everyone in that pool. Just for a moment – one joyous moment – when the divine made Itself known, I realized I was living – we were all living and playing – in the divine. Oh, how God must have been smiling with joy and satisfaction watching us and infusing us with the beauty of that oneness.